Spies for Hire: Carlyle Group to Become Owner of “One of America’s Largest Private Intelligence Armi

[Phred42]

If this doesn't scare the living crap out of you - you are legally brain-dead.
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http://www.democracynow.org/2008/5/19/spies_for_hire_the_secret_world

Spies for Hire: Carlyle Group to Become Owner of “One of America’s Largest Private Intelligence Armies"

The secretive investment fund the Carlyle Group is in the process of buying part of Booz Allen Hamiliton, the major military and intelligence contractor. We speak with investigative journalist Tim Shorrock, author of the new book Spies for Hire: The Secret World of Intelligence Outsourcing.

AMY GOODMAN: The Carlyle Group is one of the world’s largest and most secretive investment funds. Nicknamed the Ex-President’s Club, Carlyle’s employees have included both President Bush, H.W. and George W. Bush, former British Prime Minister John Major, former Secretary of State James Baker, and former Defense Secretary Frank Carlucci. Amidst growing public scrutiny over its dealings, the company has recently scaled back its holdings in military contractors and its links to controversial political figures.

But that appears to be changing. On Friday, the intelligence firm Booz Allen Hamilton said it would sell its government-oriented unit to Carlyle Group for $2.5 billion. Booz Allen has been a major figure in the privatization of government intelligence. Current National Intelligence Director Mike McConnell was Booz Allen’s director of defense programs before his appointment last year. Booz Allen has been deeply involved in some of the Bush administration’s most controversial counterterror programs, including the infamous Total Information Awareness data-mining scheme. The Carlyle-Booz Allen deal awaits shareholder and regulator approval.

Tim Shorrock is the author of Spies for Hire: The Secret World of Intelligence Outsourcing. In a new article for CorpWatch, Shorrock says Carlyle’s purchase of Booz Allen would lead to its “re- as the owner of one of America’s largest private intelligence armies.” Tim Shorrock joins us now from Washington, D.C. Welcome to Democracy Now!, Tim.

[acmavm]

1. Oh hell, this was just the natural next step. These bastards have destroyed

the country. Of course they have to have an organization to keep tabs. Not like they haven't had the US Government for the past 8 years. This is just to be able to keep the ball rolling if the lose the White House.

[Supersedeas]

2. United Corporations of 'Merica

[Brundle_Fly]

3. a well paid army

is a terrifying thing for the public.

America is terrifying of late.

[NightWatcher]

4. I hate to break it to you but they've been in the Intel Biz since 1999

I should know, I worked for them til 2002

[file83]

5. Looks like they want to eat their competition.